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By Giulia Carbonaro
Senior Reporter
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After a devastating winter storm struck Texas this week, bringing a series of tornadoes with it, there is growing concern over an arctic blast expected to hit the state over Christmas—testing its power grid once again.
Much of Texas will experience colder-than-normal temperatures for several days over Christmas, according to weather forecasts.
Brad Panovich, the chief meteorologist at WCNC-TV, warned that the arctic blast which will be moving "into the west first then pushing east for Christmas" is a departure "from average."
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"The Texas grid is going to be tested again," Panovich added.
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For many in Texas, these words will bring back memories of the massive power outage the state experienced in February 2021 when—amid freezing temperatures across the state and after three winter storms—the power grid went dark.
Millions of Texans were left without power, which quickly led to a lack of food, warmth, and water. Hundreds died as a result of the 2021 power crisis in Texas.
The southern state is currently experiencing temperatures 17 degrees lower than the average, a phenomenon expected to continue until at least December 19. Then the state is expected to be hit by a warm spell for a few days before Christmas, only to drop again.
Pete Delkus, the chief meteorologist at WFAA-TV, wrote on Twitter: "Next 10 days are looking below normal in the afternoon. And potentially WAY below normal leading up to Christmas. Exact timing and strength isn't known just yet, but our first Arctic front of the season may be on the way."
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high risk of hazardous temperatures alert for most of Texas—and the rest of the U.S.—between December 21 and 27, as the arctic blast should move across the country.
While the power grid may well continue operating under the lower-than-average temperatures expected over a couple of nights, powerful storms could still pose a risk. Since February 2021 however, despite other storms hitting the state, Texas has not experienced a similar outage.
The reliance on the power grid was tested earlier this year by the summer's scorching temperatures, which, combined with an increased demand for electricity, put significant pressure on Texas' energy infrastructure. However, the state's power grid was not put under the same strain as in February 2021.
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